Local boxers headed to nationals

Deschutes County Rocks club boasts four regional Silver Gloves champions

CORVALLIS — Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion announced Monday that he intends to return to OSU for his senior season in 2014.

Mannion, who has graduated from Oregon State with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, will enter the 2014 season as the owner of 12 school passing records. That includes the Pac-12 Conference record for single-season passing yards with 4,662, set this past season.

A two-time team captain from Pleasanton, Calif., Mannion needs 1,839 passing yards to break the league’s career mark of 12,274 set by former USC quarterback Matt Barkley from 2009 to 2012.

“I’m excited to return for my senior year,” Mannion said. “I weighed the pros and cons of making myself eligible for the (National Football League) draft with my family and current coaching staff and came to the conclusion that I have decided to continue my career with my teammates at Oregon State.”

Mannion had one of the best seasons in the history of the NCAA in 2013, passing for 4,662 yards and 37 touchdowns, with a completion percentage of 66.3.

— Bulletin staff report

Ekpre-Olomu to remain at UO

EUGENE — Two-time all-Pac-12 cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu will return to the University of Oregon for his senior season, he said Monday.

The native of Chino Hills, Calif., was the Ducks’ second-leading tackler with 84 stops in 2013. He also had three interceptions to give him seven for his career.

“The two major factors related to my decision to return were my continued progression as a person and a player, and I felt Oregon was my best option to achieve those goals and improve my situation for next year,” Ekpre-Olomu said Monday.

“I should be able to finish my degree by next fall, possibly by the end of the summer,” he added. “Football is only one phase of who I am; my degree will be forever. Secondly was my ability to make an impact and become a top (National Football League draft) pick, and I felt staying one more year would only help me.”

— Bulletin staff report

Hoop Shoot set for Saturday

The Bend Elks Hoop Shoot will be held this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Cascade Middle School.

A free-throw contest for children between the ages of 8 and 13 — kids who do not turn 14 before April 1 of this year are eligible — the Hoop Shoot is free for all participants. Age and gender division winners will advance to regional competition in Prineville the following weekend.

For more information, contact event director David Lovik at 541-388-0197.